How to Become a Farmer

The aspirations of becoming a farmer are generally inborn if you grew up on a farm. For someone who didn’t grow up on a farm and wants to become a farmer, he or she needs to experience what being a farmer entails. An easy way to do this is by apprenticing on a farm for a job. This will help you to decide if you want to become a farmer, as farming involves being outdoors 90% of the time in all types of weather, and having the hands-on experience is key.

Requirements for Becoming a Farmer

There are three types of farms; pastoral, mixed and arable, and to become a farmer you need to decide which aspect of farming you want to pursue. A pastoral farmer farms animals, whether it’s sheep, goats, pigs or cattle. If this is the type of farming you want to enter, then pastoral farming is ideal for you.

Arable farming deals with vegetation. Crops are grown like potatoes, fruits, cereals, wheat, barley, cabbages, and many other things.

A mixed farm involves farming both animals and crops; this is an ideal farm to do your apprenticeship, so you can gain the experience in every aspect of farming before venturing out to become a farmer.

Now you know about the different types of farming and you have chosen to go on an apprenticeship. You are on your way. For some people who have never been on a farm and want to become farmers who know all there is about farming, such as the management, problem-solving strategies, science, and the ethical and legal aspects of agriculture, attending a farming college is recommended.

Attending a Farming College

There is an extensive list of agricultural colleges across the UK and if you are serious about becoming the best there is in farming, then seek the best college in your district. The Aberystwyth University in the UK is considered one of the top universities to enrol. This university covers all aspects of farming, and they have their own 2,500-acre farm that is a part of the training they offer. On the farm, students will get first-hand experience which enables them to acquire work placement, which is a requirement for any application.

Students who enrol in Aberystwyth University learn every aspect of farming and become highly functional farmers.

Areas covered in the farmers’ course at Aberystwyth University:

Agricultural science

Business, economics, and land use

Crop and grassland management

Soil and plant science

Animal science

These subjects are covered over a two-year period, and while studying the academics, their practical farming skills are also being honed. They visit farms and businesses that enable first-hand experiences in the technical and practical farm management. There is also a practical work experience part of the course which enables students to develop further what they have learned over time.

Subject requirements for the farmers’ course at Aberystwyth University:

A minimum of one a level in any subject

GSCE English in either English or Welsh

Mathematics

One science subject

The more information about farming you have will enable you to make your decision, about this chosen career. It is hard work, but being able to do what you love will not seem like work at all.